DATE 16.09.11
LAT 33 20.5
LONG 026 05.2
DTR 2215
SKIPPERS BLOG
Conditions aboard Gold Coast Australia this morning far from emulate the
beautiful conditions in our sponsored city Gold Coast. The winds have
backed towards the south earlier than I expected, bringing with it the
coldest conditions we have seen since leaving the UK. Winds have
generally eased slightly, though still require the use of a second reef in
the mainsail which unfortunately means our pride and joy “the boxing
kangaroo” is now tucked in a pouch with only his ears showing above the
boom. One squall this morning at 50 plus knots bought with it hail which
stung our hands and faces like frozen needles as we eased sails and ran
away with the massive gusts of wind.
The changing wind direction has required us to change gears slightly, and
we are no long running with the wind and surfing big waves. Instead we
are power reaching at speed. The change in gears brings a different angle
to life onboard as boat heals over and walls of water fly down the deck
as we punch through the big waves ahead, drenching the people on watch.
Down below the crew can only appreciate the warmth of their sleeping bags
and rest as they know it wont be long until it is their turn to go on
watch.
The mood onboard is surprisingly jovial and there is still the occasional
whoop on deck as we surf down a confused sea and laughter and chatter
below as the crew discuss change in conditions and the ground we are
making on the rest of the fleet. It will be interesting to see what the
next move is for the remainder of the fleet when the change comes. BT